FAQs

THE BASICS 

TICKETS & ADMISSION 

GETTING THERE & PARKING 

FOOD & ARIRANG CASH 

WORKSHOPS

HAN BEAT KC —

K-POP DANCE COMPETITION 

K-COSPLAY SHOWCASE 

VENDORS, VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS 

EVENT POLICIES & SAFETY 

  • KC Arirang is Kansas City's premier Korean cultural festival, hosted by the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City. For one day, the UMKC Student Union becomes a journey through Korean taste, rhythm, beauty, and tradition — live performances, K-Pop, Taekwondo, authentic Korean food, hands-on workshops, K-Cosplay, and family-friendly activities, all in one place. Whether it's your first taste of Korean culture or a reconnection with your heritage, there's a chapter here for you.

  • Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the UMKC Student Union — 5100 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110.

  • Everyone! KC Arirang is open to the whole community — all ages and all backgrounds. No Korean language or culture knowledge needed. Just bring your curiosity.

  • Most of the festival takes place indoors throughout the Student Union, with the K-Food Zone located just outside. The festival happens rain or shine.

  • General Admission is $15 (plus a small processing fee when purchasing online). Your ticket includes access to all main event activities, cultural performances, exhibits — and free parking.

  • Tickets are available online through our Eventeny registration page — click "Register Today" on kcarirang.org. Online ticket sales close at 2 PM on festival day.

  • No — all tickets are non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable after purchase. Your ticket is delivered by email as soon as you complete your order.

  • No need — just show the ticket confirmation on your phone at the entrance.

  • Free parking is available at the UMKC Cherry Street Parking Structure — 5005 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64110, just steps from the Student Union. Parking is included with your admission ticket.

  • Enter through the main Student Union entrance on Cherry Street. Festival signage and volunteers will guide you from the parking structure.

  • Yes — the UMKC Student Union is fully accessible, with elevators serving all festival floors. If you need any assistance during the event, our volunteers in festival shirts are happy to help.

  • Come hungry. The K-Food Zone serves authentic Korean favorites — tteokbokki, bulgogi, gimbap, and more — plus the Han River Ramen Experience, where you can enjoy Korea's iconic riverside ramen culture. Feeling brave? Try the Spicy Buldak Ramen Challenge on the main stage.

  • KC Arirang is cashless for food and beverages. Arirang Cash is spending credit loaded onto your festival RFID wristband — simply tap to pay at participating food vendors, merchandise booths, and games.
    Preload $25, $50, or $100 when you buy your ticket online for the fastest experience, or add funds during the festival.

  • No — preloaded funds are non-refundable and have no cash value, so load what you plan to spend. (Trust us: between the tteokbokki and the gimbap, it won't go to waste.)

  • Five hands-on workshops run throughout the day on the 3rd floor:

    • 10:15 AM — K-Pop Dance 101 ($20) · Learn choreography from your favorite K-pop hits. All levels welcome.

    • 11:15 AM — DIY Traditional Fan Making ($20) · Craft your own Korean fan to take home.

    • 12:15 PM — Learn Korean & Make a Korean Name Badge ($20) · Discover Hangul and leave with your name in Korean.

    • 1:15 PM — K-Pop Demon Hunters Norigae Making ($20) · Create the traditional Korean accessory seen in your favorite animation.

    • 2:15 PM — Triangle Kimbap Making ($30) · Roll (and eat!) Korea's beloved convenience-store classic.

  • Workshops are added on when you purchase your General Admission ticket on Eventeny — select your workshop time slot at checkout. Workshop sales close at 11 AM on festival day, and spots are limited, so book early.

  • Yes, a General Admission ticket is required — workshop registration is added on top of it.

  • Han Beat KC is our K-Pop dance competition. Solo performers and groups compete for one of only five finalist spots — and finalists perform live on the UMKC Main Stage during KC Arirang. Wear Korea. Own the stage.

  • Submit the registration form with a preview video of your performance (60 seconds max) by Friday, August 21. A preliminary round takes place on September 13, where finalists are selected for the main stage on September 19. After review, participants are contacted with next steps and payment instructions.

  • Reach out to Maya Tillman-Rayton and Michelle Newcome at houseofdragonsdance@gmail.com.

  • Dress as your favorite K-drama, K-pop, Korean movie, hanbok, or Korean-inspired anime and game character and show off your creativity on our cosplay runway. Selected participants take the main stage and receive special prizes. First-time cosplayer or seasoned creator — everyone is welcome.

  • Follow our Instagram @kckasociety and check the K-Cosplay page on kcarirang.org for participation details and updates from our showcase host.

  • Applications are open on Eventeny — find the links under "Join the Team" on kcarirang.org. Vendor booth applications close September 1, 2026.

  • We'd love to have you! Apply through the Volunteer link on kcarirang.org. Volunteers help bring Korea to life in Kansas City — and yes, there are perks.

  • Sponsorship helps create a vibrant festival for the whole community, with visibility across our stage, signage, website, and social channels. Message the Korean American Society of Greater Kansas City through kcarirang.org or our social channels to receive the sponsorship packet.

  • Yes — photography and video recording take place throughout the festival. By attending, you consent to the use of your image for promotional purposes. Full Terms & Conditions are available at kcarirang.org/event-terms-conditions.

  • Please follow instructions from festival staff, supervise children at all times, and stay aware of your surroundings. In case of an emergency, notify the nearest staff member or call 911. Help us keep KC Arirang safe, respectful, and fun for everyone.

  • Visit the registration desk on the 2nd floor lobby during the event

Map

Contact us.

Have questions or ideas for KC Arirang? Send us an email—we’d love to hear from you and will reply quickly!